Aussie tourist hotspot in Bali dramatically shut down

19 Aug2019

The Sky Garden Club, one of Bali’s biggest night clubs and an Aussie tourist favourite, has been shut down amid claims of unpaid tax and increased crime.

Puzzled tourists watched on as heavily armed police including Brimob paramilitary officers arrived alongside an armoured personnel carrier and pasted a sign ordering the club’s closure before conducting reenactments of five alleged crimes from theft to assault on the premises, according to 7 News.

The Badung Public Order Agency said the club has not had an operational permit since 16 January and owed more than 9 billion Rupiah (almost $1 million AUD) in unpaid taxes.

Kuta locals, who have long complained about the increase of crime, support the closure.

“We support the closure of Sky Garden as it has caused restlessness among Kuta residents,” the Kuta Customary Village head, Wayan Wasista told 9 News.

“Sky Garden has opened until early morning, causing too much noise until early morning. People living around the area can not sleep well.

“It is not only causing noise until morning. It is also increasing the number of crimes.”

Kuta village allows the club to stay open until 3am, despite regulations that stipulate nightclubs must close by 2am, but Wasista said Sky Garden did not obey the rules and stayed open later.

The club holds hundreds and boasts 20 DJs per night across four stages.